Sign and awning attachment system and method of use

ABSTRACT

An attachment and tensioning system for a planar structure, including a flexible structure, for use with a sign, awning, mural, painting canvas, or roll-up door. One variation includes a first fixed portion for attaching one edge of the structure, such as via an opening for receiving a beaded or otherwise lockable structure edge, a moveable portion attachable to a second structure edge, and a tensioning device coupleable to the moveable portion and a second fixed portion. In one variation, the tensioning device attaches to and tensions the planar structure via levering. In another variation, the planar structure includes pairs of opposite edges, the first fixed portion and the moveable portion being located on an opposing pair of edges, and a second fixed portion and second moveable portion being located on another opposing pair of edges. Another variation includes two fixed attachment sections, and the planar structure has a stretchable section.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/348,316 filed Jan. 15, 2002, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/386,406 filed Jun. 7, 2002.The entirety of each of these provisional applications is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of attachment systemsfor signs, awnings, and other generally planar shaped devices.

[0004] 2. Background of the Technology

[0005] It is known in the art to provide vehicle sign attachmentdevices. However, these prior art devices generally do not allowflexible replacement of the sign, are unnecessarily complex to use, orare otherwise prone to problems or difficulties with use. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,746 to Jacobson, which is hereby incorporated byreference, discusses problems with various prior art systems anddiscloses a channel and bolt system for attaching and tensioning a signto a truck-side, in which a complex system of channels, L-angleextrusions, and bolts attached to the sign are used to hold and slowlyapply tension to the sign by rotation of bolts. Among other problems,the invention of Jacobson is difficult to install and is cumbersome touse.

[0006] Other vehicle sign attachment systems, methods, and devices knownin the art include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,765 to Opdahl,U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,109 to Rinzler, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,002 toWittenberg, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Theadvertising display of Opdahl includes stays attached to the sign andattaching retainers, which, for example, are bolted to a vehicle to holdthe sign in a tensioned state. As with the invention of Jacobson, theinvention of Opdahl is difficult to install and use.

[0007] The mobile advertising display of Rinzler uses a combination ofretaining rods and tracks, along with a hook and cord assembly toprovide an easier to use system. However, the invention of Rinzler issomewhat unsightly with the hook and cord assembly, and the hooks andcords can be cumbersome and slow during installation of the sign.

[0008] The invention of Wittenberg uses a combination of signprotrusions, fixed attachment points, and a crossover latch rail used totensionably hold the sign on the vehicle. Once the sign is tensioned,the latch rail is bolted into place. While relatively simple, the systemof Wittenberg remains cumbersome to install and use when replacingsigns, as, for example, it is not flexible as to variations in vehiclesize and bolting and unbolting are required for replacement of the sign.Further, the bolted ends of the latch rails can be unsightly.

[0009] It is also known in the art to provide shutters and to nail orotherwise attach boards or other protective planar devices over windowsof buildings during storm events. However, these systems are eitherprone to damage prior to use, inadequate in storm events, or generallynot easily reusable.

[0010] There remains an unmet need to provide a simple, attractive, andflexibly usable system for such applications as vehicle sign attachmentand tensioning, easily usable with a range of vehicle sizes, as well asto provide other flexible, reliable, and reusable attachment andtensioning systems for planar devices, such as for awnings for buildingsfor use in storm events to protect windows, doors, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention overcomes the above identified unmet needsof the prior art, as well as others, by providing an attachment andtensioning system for a planar structure, such as a sign or awning,including a planar structure with a flexible face or composed of aflexible material, such as canvas or vinyl. The tensioning systemincludes a first fixed portion for attaching one edge of the structure,such as via a slotted opening for receiving a beaded or otherwiselockable edge of the structure, a moveable portion attachable to asecond edge of the structure, and a tensioning device coupleable to themoveable portion and a second fixed portion. The tensioning device isused to fixably hold and tension the planar structure via leveringaction. In one embodiment, the planar structure includes two pairs ofopposite edges, the first fixed portion and the moveable portion beinglocated on an opposing first pair of edges (e.g., at the top and bottomof a sign or awning), and the system further including a second fixedportion and second moveable portion located on another opposing pair ofedges (e.g., at the two opposite vertical side edges of a sign orawning). The sign or awning of this embodiment is thus attached andtensioned in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fixed portion and the moveable portioneach have a generally C-shaped cross-section for receiving the beaded orotherwise lockable edge of the structure. Another embodiment includesattachable end caps to secure the tensioning device in a lockedposition.

[0013] The system is usable in variations for such applications as signson vehicles, for awnings, for tensioning wall murals, for tensioningpylon signage (e.g., backlit planar sign structures), for tensioningartist's canvas, for tensioning and framing canvas paintings or otherimages, and for use on roll-up type doors (e.g., truck rear and/or sideroll-up doors). For use in some embodiments (e.g., on roll-type doors),a flexing feature (e.g., stretchable section) is included to allowlength and/or width flexing of the planar structure, as needed.

[0014] Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description that follows, and in part willbecome more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing or upon learning by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015]FIG. 1 depicts various features of an example protective awningapplication of the system in the tensioned state, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows an example protective awning application of thesystem in the tensioned state, with the additional feature of attachmentmechanisms for lateral edges, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 presents a closeup of aspects of an example tensioningmechanism in a non-tensioned state, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 depicts a closeup of aspects of an example tensioningmechanism in a tensioned state, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a closeup of an end bracket for covering the ends ofa tensioning mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 6 presents example features of a sign display application ofthe system in a relaxed, non-tensioned state, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 7 shows the sign display application of the system of FIG. 6in the tensioned state;

[0022]FIG. 8 is an overview of attachment locations for a vehicleapplication of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 shows a corner emplaced template for use for installationof the system on a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 10 presents another view of the corner template for use invehicle application of the system, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a closeup of the template and a horizontal fixedextrusion placement, for use in an example vehicle application, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 12 shows an overview of an attached horizontal extrusion andhanging planar structure, for use in an example vehicle application, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 13 presents a closeup of the template and vertical fixedextrusion placement, for use in an example vehicle application, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 14 presents a closeup of the template, horizontal fixedextrusion placement, and vertical fixed extrusion placement, for use inan example vehicle application, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0029]FIG. 15 shows a view of placement for a first floating extrusionfor use in an example vehicle application, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 16 presents a spacing tool with a floating extrusion and aspaced vertical fixed extrusion, for use in an example vehicleapplication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 17 is a view of placement of fixed and floating verticalextrusions using a spacing tool, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0032]FIG. 18 shows a closeup of emplaced fixed horizontal and verticalextrusions, and a positioned floating vertical extrusion, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 19 contains an overhead view of an example pivot arm andlever mechanism, floating extrusion, and end cap, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 20 is an overview of placement of floating horizontalextrusions for an example vehicle use, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 21 presents a closeup view of use of a spacing tool forplacement of a fixed horizontal extrusion relative to an emplacedfloating horizontal extrusion, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0036]FIG. 22 shows horizontal and vertical extrusions, a pivot arm andlever mechanism, and installed end cap, for use in an example vehicleapplication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 23 is a view of abutting different length pivot arm and levermechanisms, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 24-26 present end views of the extrusion and leverarm/pivot arm mechanism in partially assembled, unlocked assembled, andlocked assembled positions, respectively, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIGS. 27 and 28 show photostats of end portions of assemblies, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 29 presents an exploded view of the various components of anexample assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0041]FIG. 30 shows components of a variation of the attachable edge forthe planar structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0042] FIGS. 31-33 show various aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention that includes a planar structure having a flexing feature, foruse, for example, with a roll-up door;

[0043]FIG. 34 presents a closeup view of optional planar structure sideguide attachable, for example, to a roll-up door support structure, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 35 presents example roll-up door application of the presentinvention to a series of roll-up doors contained in a single structure,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045]FIG. 36 shows an example framed canvas or other framed planarstructure application of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] References will now be made in detail to embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

[0047]FIG. 1 depicts various features of a planar structure attachmentand tensioning system, such as an example protective awning system foruse with a window or door for a building, in the tensioned state, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.1, the system 1 includes a planar structure portion 2 having anattachable edge top 3 and bottom 4, such as beaded edges. The edge top 3is, for example, inserted in the fixed open section 5, such as a slottedopening having C-shaped cross-section, and the edge bottom 4 is insertedin the tensioning open section 6 (e.g., also having, for example, aC-shaped cross-section), which is a component of the tensioningmechanism 7 located at the lower end of the system 1, as shown inFIG. 1. The tensioning mechanism 7, once tightened, is further securedin place by end brackets 8, 9.

[0048]FIG. 2 shows second planar structure attachment and tensioningsystem, such as a second example protective awning system in thetensioned state, with the additional feature of attachment features forside edges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.As shown in FIG. 2, the example planar structure attachment andtensioning system 20 of this embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1,but includes the addition of attachable side edges 21, 22, such asbeaded edges, and features for securing the planar structure 2 in thelateral direction, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, the attachable side edges 21, 22 are beaded and insertable infixed open sections 25, 26, respectively, for added securing of theplanar structure 2. In another embodiment, the side edges 21, 22, aresecured and tensioned in the lateral direction via fixed and tensionablefeatures similar to the horizontal direction tensioning features 5, 6,7, 8, 9 described further with regard to FIG. 1.

[0049]FIG. 3 presents an example tensioning mechanism in a non-tensionedstate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 3, the tensioning mechanism 7 includes a tensioning opensection 6, which is moveable (e.g., upwardly and downwardly, as shown inFIG. 3) for receiving the beaded or otherwise attachable edge bottom 4of the planar structure 2, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thetensioning mechanism 7 also includes a fixed component 30, such as acomponent fixed to a building or vehicle, to which a planar structure isto be attached, a beam portion 31, and a lever arm portion 32. Pivotaltensioning of the planar structure 2, as shown in FIG. 2, is produced bytensionably drawing the tensioning open section 6 toward the fixedcomponent 30 via levering of the lever arm 32 and the beam portion 31.For example, downward force, as shown in FIG. 3, is applied to the end33 of the lever arm 32, causing pivoting of the lever arm 32 and thebeam portion 31 about one pivotal end 34 of the beam portion 31 within aslotted portion 36 of the fixed component 30, thereby drawing themovable tensioning open section 6 toward the fixed component 30 andthereby applying a holding and tensioning force to the attached planarstructure (e.g., via receipt of a beaded edge of the planar structure inthe slotted section 37 of tensioning open section 6, as shown in FIG.2).

[0050]FIG. 4 depicts the example tensioning device of FIG. 3 in atensioned state, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 4, following passage of the end 33 of thelever arm 32 over the slotted portion 36 of the fixed component 30, thetensioning arm 31 becomes locked in the tensioned position and thetensioning mechanism 7 is in a position referred to as “the drum taughtposition.”

[0051]FIG. 5 shows a closeup of an example end bracket for covering anend of a tensioning mechanism 7, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, as further shown in FIG. 2.

[0052]FIG. 6 presents example features of another embodiment of a planarstructure attachment and tensioning system, such as an example signdisplay system for use with a vehicle, in a relaxed, non-tensionedposition. As shown in FIG. 6, the one or more components of theattachment and tensioning system 60 are attached to the surface of anobject 61, such as a truck side or other attachment surface. A firstfixed component 62 for securing one end of the planar structure 63(e.g., a sign or other advertising medium) is firmly attached to thesurface of the object 61. To attach one end of the planar structure 63(e.g., upper end, as shown in FIG. 6), for example, the planar structure63 includes a first beaded edge 64, which is insertable into a slottedfeature 65 of the first fixed component 62.

[0053] As further shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the end ofthe planar structure 63 opposite the first beaded edge 64 also has abeaded edge 66, which is introduceable into an open section of moveableportion 70. In one embodiment, the moveable portion 70 is not attachedto the surface of the object 61, but is free floating and loaded througha tensioning lever arm 71. One end 72 of the tensioning arm 71 iscoupled to the moveable portion 70 via a coupling 73 that receives oneend of the tensioning lever arm 71. The other end 74 of the tensioninglever arm 71, is coupled to one end of a beam portion 75, which in turnis coupled via, for example, an open trough, to a second fixed opensection 76 that is firmly attached to the surface of the object 61.

[0054]FIG. 7 shows the planar structure attachment and tensioning systemof FIG. 6 in a tensioned state. As shown in the position of FIG. 7, thetensioning lever arm 71 has performed a pivotal rotation within thecoupling 73 of the moveable tensioning open section 70. Simultaneously,the tensioning lever arm 71 has caused pivotal rotation of the beamportion 75 about both the coupling 77 of the tensioning lever arm 71 andthe coupling 78 of the second fixed open section 76. Once the endportion 74 of the tensioning lever arm 71 has passed over the center ofthe beam portion 75, as shown in FIG. 7, the tensioning lever arm 71becomes locked in a tensioned position and the planar surface 63 is in“the drum taught position.”

[0055] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,installation of the present invention on a vehicle, such as a truck orother vehicle to which a sign or other planar structure is to beattached, will now be described in accordance with FIGS. 8-24.

[0056]FIG. 8 shows an example overview figure of a vehicle 80 withattachment locations 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, also referred tointerchangeably herein as “extrusion attachment locations,” forattaching a planar structure, such as sign, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, along a top portion 90 of the vehicle 80,a template 91 is placed in one corner of vehicle frame (e.g. upper edgeat truck cab end). The template 91 is set tightly against the vehicleframe edge location, and the template 91 is temporarily secured in place(e.g., taped).

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a chalk line 110 is made from thetemplate to a second location on the vehicle (e.g., the back of truck),maintaining the proper offset a from the vehicle edge 111, as shown inFIG. 11. A first fixed portion 112, such as a top rail extrusion, asshown in FIG. 11, is fittably placed against the template 91, and thechalk line 110 is used as a guide.

[0059] Starting near the template 91, pilot holes 113, 114, 115, 116 aredrilled, and the first fixed portion 112 is secured (e.g., riveted orbolted) in place to the vehicle 80 along each successive pilot hole 113,114, 115, 116, such that the edge of the first fixed portion 112 followsthe chalk line 110. Alternatively to securing via pilot holes, otherattachment devices and methods known in the art may be used to securethe fixed portion 112 (e.g., adhesion; welding). In one embodiment, ifthe truck has a less than a predetermined length (e.g., 16 feet trailerlength), one or two such fixed portions 112 (e.g., two 8 foot portions)are used. In another embodiment, if the trailer length is more than thepredetermined length, starting at the end 120 of first fixed portion112, as shown in FIG. 12, one or more abutting additional fixed portions125 are aligned with the chalk line 110 and similarly secured via pilotholes and attachments or other securing mechanism so as to match thetrailer length. Shorter sections are likewise usable with shorter lengthtrucks.

[0060] As further shown in FIG. 12, once the fixed portions 112, 125 areattached, the planar structure 126 (e.g., sign) is attached to the fixedportions 112, 125, such as by feeding an upper beaded edge of the planarstructure 126 into slotted portions of the fixed portions 112, 125. Asshown in FIG. 12, the planar structure 126 is thus able to hang via thefixed portions 112, 125.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vertical chalk line130 is then made from the template 91 to the bottom of vehicle side,maintaining the proper offset from the vehicle frame b, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. A portion coupleable to a planar structure side 131(e.g., vertical side extrusion) is then fittably placed against thetemplate 91, and the vertical chalk line 130 is used as a guide.

[0062] The side coupleable portion 131 is then attached to the vehicle80. For example, starting near the template 91, pilot holes 133, 134,135, 136 are drilled, and the side coupleable portion 131 is secured(e.g., riveted or bolted) in place along each successive pilot hole 133,134, 135, 136, such that the edge of the portion 131 follows the chalkline 130.

[0063] A side moveable portion 140 (e.g., floating vertical extrusion)is then attached to the planar structure 126, such via slidably couplingto the beaded lateral edge of the planar structure 126, at the oppositeside of the planar structure 126 from the fixed side coupleable portion131, as shown in FIG. 15. The side moveable portion 140 is temporarilysecured in place to the planar structure 126, such as via a hand clamp.

[0064] A spacing block 150, such as a tensioning tool, as shown in FIG.16, is then used to position a second fixable side portion 141 (e.g.,second vertical extrusion) to allow marking of location marks forsecuring the fixable side portion 141, as further shown in FIG. 17. Thefixable side portion 141 is then attached to the planar structure 126,as shown in FIG. 18. For example, starting near the template 91, pilotholes 143, 144, 145 are drilled, and the fixable side portion 141 issecured (e.g., riveted or bolted) in place along each successive pilothole 143, 144, 145, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 19, an extrusion pivot arm and lever mechanism160 is then positioned and attached between the side moveable portion140 and the fixed side portion 141 (note that the attachment andfunctionality of the pivot arm and lever mechanism 160 of thisembodiment is similar to that described above with regard the beamportion 31 and lever arm portion 32 of the device shown in FIGS. 3 and4), tensionably locked in place, and, optionally, one or more end caps161 are installed (e.g., at the top and bottom of the pivot arm andlever mechanism 160). In one embodiment, at least one end cap 161 ispreferably used at the bottom end of a vertical extrusion pivot arm andlever mechanism 160 so as also to prevent or reduce sliding of anyvertical components of the system.

[0066] In one embodiment, the end cap 161 includes installation openings162, 163 for receiving securing features (e.g., rivets or bolts). Tosecure the end cap 161 in place, the vehicle 80 is marked for thelocation of the securing features while the end cap 161 is temporarilyin place, and, following the drilling of appropriate holes in thevehicle 80, the end cap 161 is installed and secured in place to thevehicle.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the bottom attachment portions for theplanar structure 126 are then installed, similarly to as described abovewith regard to FIGS. 15-18. One or more bottom moveable portions 170,180 (e.g., floating vertical extrusions) are then attached to the planarstructure 126, such via slidably coupling to the beaded bottom edge ofthe planar structure 126, at the bottom side of the planar structure126, as shown in FIG. 20.

[0068] A spacing block, such as the tensioning tool 150 shown in FIG.16, is used to position one or more fixable bottom portions 171 (e.g.,fixed extrusion) to allow marking of location marks for securing thefixable bottom portion 171. The bottom portion 171 is then attached tothe planar structure 126. For example, pilot holes 173, 174, 175 aredrilled, and the bottom portion 171 is secured (e.g., riveted or bolted)in place along each successive pilot hole 173, 174, 175.

[0069] A second pivot arm and lever mechanism is then positioned andattached between the moveable portion or portions 170, 180 and the fixedportion 171 (note that the attachment and functionality of the pivot armand lever mechanism of this embodiment is similar to that describedabove with regard the beam portion 31 and lever arm portion 32 of thedevice shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), tensionably locked in place, and,optionally, one or more end caps are installed (e.g., at each end of thepivot arm and lever mechanism), similar to as described with regard toFIG. 19, above.

[0070] In one embodiment for use with vehicles exceeding thepredetermined maximum length for the extrusions (e.g., 16 feet), similarmaximum length sections of pivot arm and lever mechanism are used.However, rather than aligning the pivot arm and lever mechanismsections, these sections are overlappingly coupled, so as to link theseparate lengths of pivot arm and lever mechanism together.

[0071] For example, as shown in FIG. 23, first horizontal pivot armportion 185, second horizontal pivot arm portion 186, first lever armportion 190, and second lever arm portion 191 are positioned so as tooverlap, as indicated. In the example shown in FIG. 23, abutted firsthorizontal pivot arm portion 185 (of “X length,” as indicated) andsecond horizontal pivot arm portion 186 (of “Y length,” as indicated)together have a combined length c, while first lever arm portion 190 (of“X length,” as indicated) and second lever arm portion 191 (of “Ylength,” as indicated) also together have a combined length c. However,as shown in FIG. 23, rather than aligning the abutting edges betweenboth the pivot arm portions 185, 186 and the lever arm portions 190,191, the abutting portions are staggered, as indicated.

[0072] FIGS. 24-26 present end views of the extrusion and leverarm/pivot arm mechanism in partially assembled, unlocked assembled, andlocked assembled positions, respectively, with floating extrusions 170,180, and fixed extrusions 171, 181 shown abutted in the positionsindicated. Pivot arm portions 185, 186 are abutted at a staggeredabutted position from the lever arm portions 190, 191. Because the pivotarm portions 185, 186 and lever arm portions 190, 191 are abutted atstaggered points and coupleably linked, the pivot arm portions 185, 186and lever arm portions 190, 191 function together as a unit whenoperated (e.g., when used to tension and lock planar structure,similarly to as discussed above, for example, with regard to FIG. 19above).

[0073]FIGS. 27 and 28 show photostats of end portions of assemblies, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 29 presents an exploded view of the various components of anexample assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0075]FIG. 30 shows components of a variation of the attachable edge forthe planar structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, the planar structure300 includes a semi-enclosing portion 301, such as a sleeve, forreceiving an insertion member 305, such as a rigid cylinder. Uponinsertion, the insertion member 305 and the semi-enclosing portion 301together form a rigid edge of the planar structure 300 usable with thepresent invention similarly to as described with regard to the edge top(e.g., beaded edge), shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. In oneembodiment, the semi-enclosing portion 301 is formed in conjunction witha flap portion 302. In one embodiment the flap 302 is attached (e.g.,sewn; adhered) to the surface of the planar structure 300. In anotherembodiment, the flap portion 302 frictionally held against the planarstructure 300.

[0076] FIGS. 31-34 show various aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention that includes a planar structure having a flexing feature, foruse, for example, with a roll-up door. FIG. 31 presents an overview of astructure 310 having a roll-up door, such as a truck with a roll-up reardoor, to which the planar structure 311 is attached (e.g., flexible signor other image). As further shown in the closeup of the lower portion ofan exemplary planar structure 311, in accordance with this embodiment,which is presented in FIG. 32, the planar structure 311 has astretchable section 312 (e.g., a rubber end section), that allows theplanar structure 311 to stretch, such as when the planar structure 311becomes streteched while the roll-up door is being rolled (e.g., passageof the door sections over the rolling portion causes stretching of theattached planar structure 311), and to return to an unstretched or lessstretched length when the door is not in a rolled position. The presentinvention is also usable in other roll-up door applications, such as forbuildings with similar type roll-up doors (e.g., garage or warehousedoor).

[0077] As further shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 32, theplanar structure 311 also includes a bottom attachable end portion 314(e.g., beaded or sleeve and rigid cylinder end), which is detachablycoupleable to a bottom edge attachment feature 315, such as a fixableattachment mechanism having a slotted circular profile section forslidably receiving the bottom attachable end portion 314. In oneembodiment, the edge attachment feature 315 is attachable to theunderlying roll-up door, such as by screws, glue, or other attachmentmechanisms or methods known in the art.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 33, in one exemplary embodiment, the top portionof the planar structure 311 includes a top attachable end portion 320,such as a beaded edge or sleeve and rigid cylinder. In one embodiment,the attachable end portion is coupled to or part of an end attachment orsection 321 for the planar structure 311. As also shown in FIG. 33, inone embodiment, the attachable end portion 320 is detachably coupleableto a top edge attachment feature 330, such as a fixable attachmentmechanism having a slotted circular profile section for slidablyreceiving the top attachable end portion 320. In one embodiment, the topedge attachment feature 330 is attachable to the underlying roll-updoor, such as by screws, glue, or other attachment mechanisms or methodsknown in the art.

[0079]FIG. 34 presents a closeup view of optional planar structure sideguide 340, attachable, for example, to the roll-up door supportstructure 310. In use, the optional planar structure side guide 340guides the side edges of the planar structure 311.

[0080]FIG. 35 presents example roll-up door application of the presentinvention, similar to as shown in FIGS. 31-33, to a series of roll-updoors contained in a single structure.

[0081]FIG. 36 shows an example framed canvas or other framed planarstructure application of the present invention. Similar to thetensioning presented in sign, awning, and roll-up door applications, thepresent invention is usable for tensioning wall murals, for tensioningpylon signage (e.g., backlit planar sign structures), and for tensioningartist's canvas other than within a frame.

[0082] Example embodiments of the present invention have now beendescribed in accordance with the above advantages. It will beappreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of theinvention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An attachment and tensioning system for a planarstructure, the planar structure having a first end and second endopposite the first end, the system comprising: a first fixed portioncoupleably attachable to the first end of the planar structure; amoveable portion coupleably attachable to the second end of the planarstructure; a levering portion coupleable to the moveable portion; and asecond fixed portion relative to which the levering portion is leverableso as to apply tension to the planar structure via coupling to themoveable portion.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the planar structureis a sign.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the planar structure is foruse on a vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the planar structureis an awning.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the awning is useablefor protection against storm events.
 6. The system of claim 4, whereinthe awning is for use with a building.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe planar structure is a canvas.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theplanar structure is a mural.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein theplanar structure comprises pylon signage.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the planar structure is contained within a frame.
 11. The systemof claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the planarstructure each include a beaded edge.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the first fixed portion includes a first fixed portion beadededge receiving opening for receiving the beaded edge of the first end ofthe planar structure.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the moveableportion includes a moveable portion beaded edge receiving opening forreceiving the beaded edge of the second end of the planar structure. 14.The system of claim 12, wherein the beaded edge of the first end of theplanar structure is frictionally rotatable within the first fixedportion beaded edge receiver.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst end and the second end of the planar structure each include asemi-enclosing edge and an insertion member insertable into thesemi-enclosing edge.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the insertionmember is cylindrically shaped.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst fixed portion coupleably receives the first end of the planarstructure, such that the first end of the planar structure is rotatablyconnected to the first fixed portion.
 18. The system of claim 1, whereinthe levering portion is coupleable to the second fixed portion, andwherein the levering portion is moveable to a locking position.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein a constant locking tension is applied to theplanar structure when the levering portion is in the locking position.20. The system of claim 19, further comprising: at least one end cap forholdably covering the levering portion in the locking position.
 21. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the levering portion is coupled to the secondfixed portion at a lever point, and wherein the levering portion leversabout the lever point so as to apply tension to the planar structure.22. The system of claim 1, wherein the tension is applied to the planarstructure via pulling of the moveable portion via levering of thelevering portion, and wherein the tension in the planar structure occursbetween the first fixed portion and the pulled moveable portion.
 23. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the planar structure has at least a firstside edge, the system further comprising: a first fixed side portion forcoupleably receiving the first side edge of the planar structure. 24.The system of claim 23, wherein the planar structure has at least asecond side edge, the system further comprising: a side edge moveableportion for coupleably receiving the second side edge of the planarstructure; a side edge levering portion coupleable to the second sidemoveable portion; and a second fixed side portion about which the sideedge levering portion is leverable so as to apply tension to the planarstructure via coupling to the side moveable portion.
 25. An attachmentand tensioning system for a planar structure having a first coupleableend and second coupleable end, the system comprising: a first fixedcoupling for attaching the planar structure first coupleable end; amovable coupling for attaching the planar structure second coupleableend; a leverable connector for leverably moving the moveable coupling;and a fixing point to which the leverable connector is attachable;wherein a tension is appliable to the planar structure via levering ofthe leverable connector relative to the fixing point.
 26. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the leverable connector includes a tensioning armportion and a beam portion having a first end and a second end, whereinthe leverable connector is coupleable to the first end of the beamportion and to the moveable coupling, and wherein the fixing pointcomprises a second fixed coupling for attaching the second end of thebeam portion.
 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the first fixedcoupling includes a socket portion, wherein the planar structure firstcoupleable end includes a cylindrical beaded end, and wherein thecylindrical beaded end of the planar structure is insertably fittableinto the socket portion of the first fixed coupling.
 28. The system ofclaim 25, wherein the leverable connector is moveable to a lockedposition.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein movement of the leverableconnector to the locked position produces the applied tension to theplanar structure.
 30. The system of claim 26, wherein the moveablecoupling and the second fixed coupling are separated by a closable gap,and wherein closing of the closable gap is produced by levering motionof the tensioning arm portion.
 31. A stretchable attachment andtensioning system attachable to a moveable surface, the systemcomprising: a planar structure having a stretchable section, a firstend, and a second end opposite the first end; a first fixed portioncoupleably attachable to the first end of the planar structure; and asecond fixed portion coupleably attachable to the second end of theplanar structure; wherein the stretchable section of the planar surfacestretches with movement of the movable surface.
 32. The system of claim31, wherein the planar surface has a first side and a second side, thesystem further comprising: a first side guide for guiding the firstside.
 33. The system of claim 32, further comprising: a second sideguide for guiding the second side.
 34. A method for attaching andtensioning a planar structure, the planar structure having a first endand a second end, the method including: attaching the first end of theplanar structure to a first fixed portion; attaching the second end ofthe planar structure to a movable portion; attaching the movable portionto a levering portion; attaching the levering portion to a second fixedportion; and levering the levering portion so as to apply a variabletension to the planar structure via a levered force drawing the moveableportion away from the first fixed portion.
 35. The method of claim 34,further comprising: moving the levering portion to a locked position,wherein in the locked position, a continuous locked position tension ismaintained on the planar structure.
 36. The method of claim 34, whereinlevering the levering portion so as to apply a variable tension to theplanar structure via a levered force drawing the moveable portion awayfrom the first fixed portion includes: leverably applying a force to atensioning arm; and the tensioning arm force transmitting motion to themoveable portion by levered application of force via a connecting beamportion coupled between the tensioning arm and the second fixed portion.37. An attachment and tensioning system for a vehicle sign, the signhaving an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second sideedge, the system comprising: a first fixed portion for coupleablyreceiving the upper edge of the sign; first moveable portion forcoupleably receiving the lower edge of the sign; a first leveringportion coupleable to the first moveable portion; a second fixed portionabout which the first levering portion is leverable so as to applytension to the sign via coupling to the first moveable portion; a thirdfixed portion for coupleably receiving the first side edge of the sign;a second moveable portion for coupleably receiving the second side edgeof the sign; a second levering portion coupleable to the second moveableportion; a fourth fixed portion about which the second levering portionis leverable so as to apply tension to the sign via coupling to thesecond moveable portion.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the upperedge, the lower edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge eachinclude a beaded edge.
 39. An attachment and tensioning system for anawning, the awning having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first sideedge, and a second side edge, the system comprising: a first fixedportion for coupleably receiving the upper edge of the awning; a firstmoveable portion for coupleably receiving the lower edge of the awning;a first levering portion coupleable to the first moveable portion; asecond fixed portion about which the first levering portion is leverableso as to apply tension to the awning via coupling to the first moveableportion; a third fixed portion for coupleably receiving the first sideedge of the awning; a second moveable portion for coupleably receivingthe second side edge of the awning; a second levering portion coupleableto the second moveable portion; a fourth fixed portion about which thesecond levering portion is leverable so as to apply tension to theawning via coupling to the second moveable portion.
 40. The system ofclaim 39, wherein the upper edge, the lower edge, the first side edge,and the second side edge each include a beaded edge.
 41. A method forattaching a tensionable attachment system to a vehicle, the methodcomprising: attaching to the vehicle a first fixed portion forcoupleably receiving the upper edge of a planar structure, the planarstructure having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and asecond side edge; attaching the top edge of the planar structure to thefirst fixed portion; coupleably attaching a side fixing portion to thefirst side edge of the planar structure; attaching the side fixingportion to the vehicle; coupleably attaching a side moveable portion tothe second side edge of the planar structure; coupleably attaching asecond side fixing portion to the vehicle, wherein the second sidefixing portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the side moveableportion; coupleing a side levering portion to the second side fixingportion and to the side moveable portion, wherein the second leveringportion is leverable so as to apply tension to the planar structure viacoupling to the second side fixing portion and the side moveableportion; coupleably attaching to the planar structure bottom edge abottom moveable portion; attaching to the vehicle a bottom fixingportion, wherein the bottom fixing portion is spaced a predetermineddistance from the bottom moveable portion; and coupling a bottomlevering portion to the bottom fixing portion and the bottom moveableportion, wherein the first levering portion is leverable so as to applytension to the planar structure via coupling to the bottom fixingportion and the bottom moveable portion.
 42. The system of claim 41,wherein the upper edge, the lower edge, the first side edge, and thesecond side edge each include a beaded edge.